Regis University adopts test-optional admission policy

Changes will benefit students applying for Fall 2021

First-year students who apply to Regis University for Fall 2021 will no longer be required to submit an ACT or SAT score for consideration as part of their application. Prospective students may submit standardized test scores, but those who feel their scores don’t fully reflect their academic skills may apply without them.

Although the decision to implement a test-optional admissions policy was driven by decreased access to standardized testing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jesuit Catholic university believes the new policy will bolster diversity and allow it to serve more students.

“Requiring test scores doesn’t align with our Jesuit identity of inclusive excellence,” said Kim Frisch, dean of Admissions at Regis. “We know our students are more than just a test score, which is why we already have a holistic approach to admissions decisions. Implementing this test-optional policy allows us to align our process with our values.”

Through a test-optional admissions process, Regis will ensure that all factors are evaluated, so students with low test scores aren’t automatically removed from consideration. This holistic approach promotes more inclusion of underrepresented students: first-generation, low-income and students of color.

Going test optional also will reduce the anxiety some students experience in the application process and allows Regis to welcome students with different learning styles, Frisch said.

“Standardized tests provide little or no insights into a student’s first-year performance or a university’s graduation rates,” she said.

Regis is in good company. More than 1,000 accredited, four-year institutions of higher education will make decisions without regard to ACT/SAT scores for Fall 2021 admissions, according to industry sources.

For more information, contact Regis University’s Office of Admissions at ruadmissions@regis.edu or 800.944.7667.